2018-2019 DPL Season

[MyDaughtersAKeeper]

Even the games in early June are ridiculous especially since most teams start try-outs in April/May and the new players start playing in the end of May/June. The 00/01 players by that time are thinking more about graduating HS than club ball so they probably won't even finish the "so-called season" which is unfortunate.

I appreciate the Fall/Spring schedule but make it fair to all clubs so that every team gets 12 games in Fall and 12 in Spring. Not this CRAP, where teams are getting 18 games while others are only getting 8, that is a 10 game disparity which is totally ridiculous!!! Also, the schedules were all mixed-up for the Silverlake Showcase and now for the upcoming Vegas Showcase as well, it looks like the DPL was an afterthought when it came to scheduling for these tournaments. DPL needs to get their s#!+ together and figure out a better program because this ain't working!!!

My DD could have stayed on a Tier 1 team, there she would still have played against competitive teams and have consistant scheduled games and tournaments. Like everyone on this thread has mentioned, there are teams out there that can kick butt on some of these DA, DPL and ENCL teams, the only advantage to being on any of these teams is the exposure if you DD wants to play college ball.

It is a very interesting time for our team and DPL. Our club has not had tryouts for DA/DPL, but the other area clubs (DA & ECNL) had tryouts (technically they did not have DA tryouts, but that is another topic based on their actions/offers). We have gotten in 9 DPL league games to date and don't start back until March and go through early June. I have no idea what the future holds for us. Just glad that we have a good coach that seems to like my DD.

My only disagreement with your post would be staying on a Tier 1 team and having good competition. I don't see that, at least for our age group. When I look at YSR 2005 the top 19 teams in Cal South breakdowns as follows: DA 8 teams, ECNL 5 teams, DPL 4 teams and other the rest. There are very few teams outside of DA/ECNL or even DPL that are strong teams. I know that anybody can beat anybody on any given day, but even with DPL seeming to have some strength of schedule, DD's team is undefeated and only surrendered 1 goal. Talent has been spread very thin.

 

[Slammerdad]

It is a very interesting time for our team and DPL. Our club has not had tryouts for DA/DPL, but the other area clubs (DA & ECNL) had tryouts (technically they did not have DA tryouts, but that is another topic based on their actions/offers). We have gotten in 9 DPL league games to date and don't start back until March and go through early June. I have no idea what the future holds for us. Just glad that we have a good coach that seems to like my DD.

My only disagreement with your post would be staying on a Tier 1 team and having good competition. I don't see that, at least for our age group. When I look at YSR 2005 the top 19 teams in Cal South breakdowns as follows: DA 8 teams, ECNL 5 teams, DPL 4 teams and other the rest. There are very few teams outside of DA/ECNL or even DPL that are strong teams. I know that anybody can beat anybody on any given day, but even with DPL seeming to have some strength of schedule, DD's team is undefeated and only surrendered 1 goal. Talent has been spread very thin.

I think Lulu was speaking mostly for the older brackets where the gals have already decided their paths and are not chasing patches. at 2005, it's more about exposure as they enter the High School years. At 00/01's the exposure period is mostly over so many good teams skip the patch chase and just play in flight 1.

 

[True love]

A nice little soccer article


https://the18.com/soccer-entertainment/18-best-womens-world-cup-players-2019

 

[Desert Hound]

Even the games in early June are ridiculous especially since most teams start try-outs in April/May and the new players start playing in the end of May/June. The 00/01 players by that time are thinking more about graduating HS than club ball so they probably won't even finish the "so-called season" which is unfortunate.

I appreciate the Fall/Spring schedule but make it fair to all clubs so that every team gets 12 games in Fall and 12 in Spring. Not this CRAP, where teams are getting 18 games while others are only getting 8, that is a 10 game disparity which is totally ridiculous!!! Also, the schedules were all mixed-up for the Silverlake Showcase and now for the upcoming Vegas Showcase as well, it looks like the DPL was an afterthought when it came to scheduling for these tournaments. DPL needs to get their s#!+ together and figure out a better program because this ain't working!!!

My DD could have stayed on a Tier 1 team, there she would still have played against competitive teams and have consistant scheduled games and tournaments. Like everyone on this thread has mentioned, there are teams out there that can kick butt on some of these DA, DPL and ENCL teams, the only advantage to being on any of these teams is the exposure if you DD wants to play college ball.

Who cares when you play your games? As long as by the end of the season all the teams play the same amount. If some teams play more in fall vs others who cares? In the end they all play a home and away vs everyone. If your club didn't play many in the Fall, then your club should have scheduled in a tournament or two if parents really wanted it.

Not sure how the schedules were mixed up for Silverlakes. DPL teams were playing other DPL teams and in addition would get in a game against a non DPL team. Some teams just played one DPL game I believe since they had played more early on.

For Vegas it appears many DPL are playing 2 DPL teams plus a game vs a non DPL club. What is the issue with that?

Every year teams play games be it league or tournament games after tryouts have ended. Par for the course.

 

[MyDaughtersAKeeper]

Who cares when you play your games? As long as by the end of the season all the teams play the same amount. If some teams play more in fall vs others who cares? In the end they all play a home and away vs everyone. If your club didn't play many in the Fall, then your club should have scheduled in a tournament or two if parents really wanted it.

Not sure how the schedules were mixed up for Silverlakes. DPL teams were playing other DPL teams and in addition would get in a game against a non DPL team. Some teams just played one DPL game I believe since they had played more early on.

For Vegas it appears many DPL are playing 2 DPL teams plus a game vs a non DPL club. What is the issue with that?

Every year teams play games be it league or tournament games after tryouts have ended. Par for the course.

I agree with you for the most part; everyone will play the same number of games. The interesting question, at least for the 05's, is how the competition will change starting in March when league starts back up. It is my understanding that some clubs are making changes to their current teams (2018-2019) while also lining up players for next season (2019-2020) based on recent tryouts. Some clubs seem to be treating the season like separate fall and spring leagues not one continuous season.

 

[Desert Hound]

I agree with you for the most part; everyone will play the same number of games. The interesting question, at least for the 05's, is how the competition will change starting in March when league starts back up. It is my understanding that some clubs are making changes to their current teams (2018-2019) while also lining up players for next season (2019-2020) based on recent tryouts. Some clubs seem to be treating the season like separate fall and spring leagues not one continuous season.

Well I guess the league is improving. Last year it was just fall and a tournament our two. This year a full fall/spring with 3 showcases. I think with time the quality of the league will improve.

I have heard they have plans to improve on it next year. We will have to see what, if any changes those are. One rumor heard is it is expanding to other areas. If that is the case that is interesting.

Time will tell I guess.

 

[socalkdg]

It is a very interesting time for our team and DPL. Our club has not had tryouts for DA/DPL, but the other area clubs (DA & ECNL) had tryouts (technically they did not have DA tryouts, but that is another topic based on their actions/offers). We have gotten in 9 DPL league games to date and don't start back until March and go through early June. I have no idea what the future holds for us. Just glad that we have a good coach that seems to like my DD.

My only disagreement with your post would be staying on a Tier 1 team and having good competition. I don't see that, at least for our age group. When I look at YSR 2005 the top 19 teams in Cal South breakdowns as follows: DA 8 teams, ECNL 5 teams, DPL 4 teams and other the rest. There are very few teams outside of DA/ECNL or even DPL that are strong teams. I know that anybody can beat anybody on any given day, but even with DPL seeming to have some strength of schedule, DD's team is undefeated and only surrendered 1 goal. Talent has been spread very thin.

Since September the only close game you have had looks to be vs. SOUTHWEST SC ELITE. You guys have wiped out every DPL team. Has your daughter even had many chances at saves this year? 6 DPL teams are at 31 or lower on YSR. Albion is really struggling(only DPL team my daughter has played against and she easily shut them out as keeper with the team she guest played with.) There are probably 20 Gold and Flight 1 teams that could beat 5-6 DPL teams. Your team should be playing DA and ECNL teams.

 

[MyDaughtersAKeeper]

Since September the only close game you have had looks to be vs. SOUTHWEST SC ELITE. You guys have wiped out every DPL team. Has your daughter even had many chances at saves this year? 6 DPL teams are at 31 or lower on YSR. Albion is really struggling(only DPL team my daughter has played against and she easily shut them out as keeper with the team she guest played with.) There are probably 20 Gold and Flight 1 teams that could beat 5-6 DPL teams. Your team should be playing DA and ECNL teams.

The kid has had chances, luckily the coach likes to play out of the back, and build from there; resetting to the keeper when necessary. LAGSD came out swinging, our defense really stepped up & we were a bit lucky in that game. SWSC plays a very high press and tries to keep everything on their opponents side of the field and as much in front of the box as possible. They were a tough competitor that took our girls some time to figure out. We have a solid team, with good players, coaching and parents. It would have been nice had we been able to play against ECNL teams - oh well.

 

[socalkdg]

The kid has had chances, luckily the coach likes to play out of the back, and build from there; resetting to the keeper when necessary. LAGSD came out swinging, our defense really stepped up & we were a bit lucky in that game. SWSC plays a very high press and tries to keep everything on their opponents side of the field and as much in front of the box as possible. They were a tough competitor that took our girls some time to figure out. We have a solid team, with good players, coaching and parents. It would have been nice had we been able to play against ECNL teams - oh well.

Does DPL get to scrimmage against the DA teams at all during any of the practices during the week? Glad to see you kid getting extra footwork in some of the games. With my daughters broken hand all she has been doing is foot skills.

 

[MyDaughtersAKeeper]

Does DPL get to scrimmage against the DA teams at all during any of the practices during the week? Glad to see you kid getting extra footwork in some of the games. With my daughters broken hand all she has been doing is foot skills.

Yes. Same coach for both teams. Not every week but maybe 2x a month the teams scrimmage. It is nice for our girls to get a chance to play against a clearly better team; bigger sister beats up on little sister but that just makes our girls stronger.

 

[Keeper pops]

Does DPL get to scrimmage against the DA teams at all during any of the practices during the week? Glad to see you kid getting extra footwork in some of the games. With my daughters broken hand all she has been doing is foot skills.

My DD’s DPL team gets the opportunity to scrimmage our club’s DA & DPL on Thur. It’s very competitive and nice measuring stick. We are also in CRL.

As for scheduling, we are very fortunate as our DPL schedule was very heavy in the fall (17 games) amd 7 games in spring. It’s aligned with CRL, National League and showcases in the spring.

 

[socalkdg]

I've noticed some DPL teams are playing State and Nationals. Was this left up to each club on if the teams would play there?

 

[MyDaughtersAKeeper]

I've noticed some DPL teams are playing State and Nationals. Was this left up to each club on if the teams would play there?

I believe that it was up to each club. When I look at the '05 standings I see a decent amount of disparity with DPL games played. Legends has played 15 games while LA Galaxy has only played 7. Our team was going to play National Cup but there were too many conflicts and we had to skip. With the recent tryouts and changes some teams are making it seems that some clubs are almost treating DPL like a full league and a spring league (with player changes after the fall league due to offers made with the DA teams, pushing DA girls to DPL to make room for new DA girls). It will be interesting.

 

[ToonArmy]

I've noticed some DPL teams are playing State and Nationals. Was this left up to each club on if the teams would play there?

Yes

 

[Speed]

Who cares when you play your games? As long as by the end of the season all the teams play the same amount. If some teams play more in fall vs others who cares? In the end they all play a home and away vs everyone. If your club didn't play many in the Fall, then your club should have scheduled in a tournament or two if parents really wanted it.

Not sure how the schedules were mixed up for Silverlakes. DPL teams were playing other DPL teams and in addition would get in a game against a non DPL team. Some teams just played one DPL game I believe since they had played more early on.

For Vegas it appears many DPL are playing 2 DPL teams plus a game vs a non DPL club. What is the issue with that?

Every year teams play games be it league or tournament games after tryouts have ended. Par for the course.

Who cares when you play your games? As long as by the end of the season all the teams play the same amount. If some teams play more in fall vs others who cares? In the end they all play a home and away vs everyone. If your club didn't play many in the Fall, then your club should have scheduled in a tournament or two if parents really wanted it.

Not sure how the schedules were mixed up for Silverlakes. DPL teams were playing other DPL teams and in addition would get in a game against a non DPL team. Some teams just played one DPL game I believe since they had played more early on.

For Vegas it appears many DPL are playing 2 DPL teams plus a game vs a non DPL club. What is the issue with that?

Every year teams play games be it league or tournament games after tryouts have ended. Par for the course.

When you are playing at a showcase event but your game is a DPL league game the refs still treat it as a showcase not a league game. Rules are different. It is unfair to the girls that have reached out to college coaches who then show up to the kid and the kid is on the bench. Didn't happen to us but we know 2 families it did. If you are playing in a showcase event it should be treated as such.

And when you come back for the second part of your DPL season and the coach has been fired it would have been better to have the games front loaded. Now you are playing with a coach unknown to you as he has been not been in So cal for the past 2 years and you still have 5 months of league. Would have chosen our games to be front loaded. DPL told us we have 2 games scheduled for a weekend---not on the schedule and our team admins had not been notified. This was told to us by the girls director who is trying to calm the parents who are fed up with the lack of communication from DPL, the DPL season scheduling and the firing of the coach. I can point you to a whole group of parents and players of when the games occurred that it does matter.

 

[sdklutz]

I believe that it was up to each club. When I look at the '05 standings I see a decent amount of disparity with DPL games played. Legends has played 15 games while LA Galaxy has only played 7. Our team was going to play National Cup but there were too many conflicts and we had to skip. With the recent tryouts and changes some teams are making it seems that some clubs are almost treating DPL like a full league and a spring league (with player changes after the fall league due to offers made with the DA teams, pushing DA girls to DPL to make room for new DA girls). It will be interesting.

Is that your direct experience with your current club or are you hearing that about other clubs?

 

[DPLLove]

I agree. The DPL was formed by the DA Clubs for a variety of reasons which can be debated until the end of time. DPL teams are traditionally DA Club Second teams (except at the ‘06 Age group as there is no DA) and kids play DPL for a variety of reasons...some don’t want to practice 4 days a week, some see it as a stepping stone to DA, some want to play other sports, some want to play high school soccer, or have other interests outside of soccer...OMG can you imagine a kid with interests outside of soccer????

I don’t understand the hate for an option that works for a bunch of kids. If the kids and parents are happy playing in a league/circuit that works for them why do people give a rip and waste time bashing it? Seems like a waste of time to me.

This is why I am DPL love. The DPL hate on this forum is ridiculous. Most DPL teams recognize DPL for what it is. A competitive league, with some talented soccer players. Automatic Surf, Silverlakes and Vegas acceptance, great fields, and dependent upon the club a chance to be brought up as a DP to DA. Most parents didn’t drink the koolaid. Our daughters chose DPL for several reasons, geographic, wanted to play on HS team, it was the highest level of team our daughters were offered. I’ve got news for this forum, you may have a very talented daughter playing soccer, but because of different criteria, her style of play, her build or her personality. She might not make the team that she really wanted to make. DPL offes a fantastic alternative for many players who for whatever reasons, including not talented enough in a Coaches eye, to prove themselves. Maybe they get an opportunity to train with DA, maybe they even have a chance to actually DP with the DA team. It still allows them to work hard and to chase their dreams. Something that can never be done in Premier or Discovery. No possible room for growth other than to switch clubs to play DA or ECNL. For all of these reasons my daughter has been extremely happy playing DPL the last two years.

 

[timbuck]

This is why I am DPL love. The DPL hate on this forum is ridiculous. Most DPL teams recognize DPL for what it is. A competitive league, with some talented soccer players. Automatic Surf, Silverlakes and Vegas acceptance, great fields, and dependent upon the club a chance to be brought up as a DP to DA. Most parents didn’t drink the koolaid. Our daughters chose DPL for several reasons, geographic, wanted to play on HS team, it was the highest level of team our daughters were offered. I’ve got news for this forum, you may have a very talented daughter playing soccer, but because of different criteria, her style of play, her build or her personality. She might not make the team that she really wanted to make. DPL offes a fantastic alternative for many players who for whatever reasons, including not talented enough in a Coaches eye, to prove themselves. Maybe they get an opportunity to train with DA, maybe they even have a chance to actually DP with the DA team. It still allows them to work hard and to chase their dreams. Something that can never be done in Premier or Discovery. No possible room for growth other than to switch clubs to play DA or ECNL. For all of these reasons my daughter has been extremely happy playing DPL the last two years.

Why could a player from premier or discovery not get promoted to a da team?
If the DPL league didn’t exist, then DA teams would pull from whatever the next highest team is.

 

[DPLLove]

Why could a player from premier or discovery not get promoted to a da team?
If the DPL league didn’t exist, then DA teams would pull from whatever the next highest team is.

It does exist. So get over it. DPL can easily transition and I said...most Discovery/Premier players would have to switch clubs. I do not know of any DA club pulling from its Discovery for DPs. Not to say it’s doesn’t exist, I’m sure it does. But the likelihood of getting pulled from DPL is very realistic. Look at the game cards. A lot of DPL players are PT players in DA across many age groups.

 

[Dummy]

It does exist. So get over it. DPL can easily transition and I said...most Discovery/Premier players would have to switch clubs. I do not know of any DA club pulling from its Discovery for DPs. Not to say it’s doesn’t exist, I’m sure it does. But the likelihood of getting pulled from DPL is very realistic. Look at the game cards. A lot of DPL players are PT players in DA across many age groups.

What happened with our Discovery team is that DA coaches would directly call our players and offer them roster spots on the DA team. Our players repeatedly said no. DPL is fine, but players get recruited - not teams or leagues. Importantly, our normal club soccer players weren’t just recruited by DA coaches. Our D1 players ended up being recruited by and signing to play at D1 schools of their choice. Our academic D3 players ended up at high powered academic D3 schools. We were fortunate to have an outstanding coach. We were fortunate to be an organized group of parents. I am grateful that it all worked out for our kids.

 

[DPLLove]

What happened with our Discovery team is that DA coaches would directly call our players and offer them roster spots on the DA team. Our players repeatedly said no. DPL is fine, but players get recruited - not teams or leagues. Importantly, our normal club soccer players weren’t just recruited by DA coaches. Our D1 players ended up being recruited by and signing to play at D1 schools of their choice. Our academic D3 players ended up at high powered academic D3 schools. We were fortunate to have an outstanding coach. We were fortunate to be an organized group of parents. I am grateful that it all worked out for our kids.

Sounds like you are at an exceptional Discovery Club/team. I would venture to guess that is not the norm. I base this on extensive research that my crazy friend did trying to decide where her DD 03 should play. She compared DPL and Discovery/Premier for 2019 soccer commits listed on Top Drawer. DPL had multiple commits and out paced Premier/Discovery by 2-1. DPL commits from a few D1’s through NAIA commitmented to play. She found only a handful from Discovery/Premier. She cross referenced the DPL rosters on Got Soccer. A few DPL clubs don’t show the roster for DPl so the number could actually be higher. I am sure many Premier/ Discovery not listed on Top Drawer so I am not concluding her research 100% accurate. Her research overal lead her to believe her DD shoukd continue to play DPL.